TWO men are to complete a 14-day 525-mile gruelling challenge in memory of six soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan in 2012.

The Warrior Challenge, named after the armoured vehicle the six were travelling in when they were hit by an explosive device, will see injured veteran Andy Reid and Warrant Officer Glen Hughes cycle 400 miles and kayak 125 miles.

The route will take them to the graves of the six soldiers, including Private Christopher Kershaw, 19, from Bradford, whose grave is at Holy Trinity Church in Idle.

The pair will also present Pte Kershaw’s mum Monica with an engraved brass shell casing containing a citation inside and lay a wreath.

The Warrior Challenge will start in Lytham St Annes on June 16 and will finish in London, where after cycling for 400 miles they will then take to the river to kayak a further 125 miles.

They will also be joined by Andy North, a cycling world record holder from Ultra6, who will be running a marathon alongside them every day.

Of the challenge, Mr Reid, who lost both legs and and an arm in Afghanistan, said: “Glen and I really wanted to pay a fitting tribute to the lads who lost their lives, so hopefully this challenge will do just that. We will visit each of their graves along the way before stopping off at the Headquarters of 3 Yorks in Warminster. It’s going to be tough but we’re really up for it.”

WO Hughes, who is recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder, added: “We’re both veterans of Afghanistan and we both came back with life-changing injuries, but that won’t be getting in the way of this challenge. It’s a great chance to pay tribute to the guys who died whilst also raising money for two charities close to us. I’m sure all the blisters and aching muscles will be worth it!”

Mrs Kershaw praised the men, saying how pleased she was her son was being remembered in such a way.

“It’s lovely that they are doing this brilliant challenge for charity in memory of these six lads, including Christopher, on the fifth anniversary of their death.

“It’s comforting to me to know that Christopher hasn’t been forgotten by his friends.”

The challenge will raise funds for two charities, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and Style for Soldiers.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said: “It is a hugely fitting way for them to pay their respects to the memory of those soldiers that lost their lives while serving our country, and the money they raise will directly help soldiers and veterans, and their families, who need assistance at any time in their life. It will make a real difference.”

To find out more and to support the challenge, visit warriorchallenge2017.com.